Xi'an to make museum construction a 'catalyst'

Museums record the development of a city's history, and are considered business cards of the city. They play an important role in helping people to perceive history and explore the future.

In recent years, Xi'an has made efforts to become a "museum city", taking advantage of cultural heritage resources with Xi'an characteristics. During the two sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC), many NPC deputies focused on museum construction and offered suggestions.

"We want to make cultural relics come out and 'Talk'," said Song Yaping, deputy to the NPC and vice-chairman of the Shaanxi Artists Association. Song believes that culture makes the genes of a nation, which demonstrate a country's soft power. Museums are important carriers of cultural inheritance and development. They play an important role in enhancing the image of a city.

Song Yaping is interviewed during the two sessions. [Photo/en.xa.gov.cn]

"We are attempting to open non-state-owned museums for free," said Wang Yongchao, president of the Xi'an Guanzhong Folk Art Museum. Wang said that non-state-owned museums have become an important part of the national public cultural service system. It is very important to promote the policy of "fair treatment" for both non-state-owned museums and state-owned museums.